Authority universal theme

Authority is the power to control, determine and judge. It is granted based on expertise, maturity or self-confidence. Authority taken by intimidation is not true.

Big ideas

• Authority is gained in learning how to recognize and react to your emotions.
• The responsibility of influence is greater than you realize.
• Gain trust by being confident, consistent, and genuinely human.
• Following healthy leaders and sound ideas is as important as being able to lead.
• You always have authority over your own choices and reactions.

Key concepts

• Boldness is fearless and daring behavior that is clear and distinct.
• Confidence is trust in a person, thing or oneself. Belief that the person/thing is true and certain.
• Credibility is the ability of something or someone to be believed. Reliable and plausible.
• Empowerment is the feeling of being enabled, permitted, or authorized.
• An expert has a high degree of skill or knowledge on a certain subject. He or she can provide advice (expertise) on that subject.
• A follower is one that comes or occurs after another. One that pursues the ideas or teachings of another.
• Having jurisdiction is the right or power to provide knowledge or advice about a certain subject. A territory, either physical or philosophical, over which someone has responsibility or power.
• Leadership is directing others along a way, using his or her influential voice and granted authority to coordinate and direct an activity.
• Permission is to give consent to or allow something to occur.
• Persuasion is the art of influence. Causing someone to do or think something or being influenced by someone else. Action to reinforce strong belief or desire to achieve a goal.

Archetypes

animals: lion, porcupine, wolverine

birds: wren

flowers: echinacea, larkspur

foods: durian

mythical: beast, giant

roles: boss, feminist, gatekeeper/guard

settings: court

situations: quarantine

symbols: gavel, gun, tie

Authority in contemporary culture

• Worldwide government action on Covid 19 pandemic
• Russian invasion of Ukraine

These are just a few. What other examples can you think of?

Beholds upcoming projects

Creative skills: series focusing on different creative skills, how to learn them and where to apply them

This theme was created as part of the themes for the site in 2014. This page was first published in December 2018, updated with new graphics in February 2020 and last updated in September 2022.

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